This site is dedicated to sharing information and memories about the family of Henry and Maria Smarcz Merzke and their collateral relatives. Henry, Maria and their parents were all born in Stolp in the Pomeranian region of what was then Prussia. They were married, settled in Rochester, New York and eventually had sixteen children. This is the story of those people, their ancestors, descendants and the families of the people they married.

The Merzke Family

Friday, November 5, 2010

Lillian Martha Marie Merzke

Lill Merzke

Lillian Martha Marie Merzke, the sixth child, was born at home at 26 Alphonse St. on July 7, 1896.She was baptized June 17, 1896. Her sponsors were Henrietta Shippin, Fr. Merzke and Martha Lott. Lill was particularly close to her sister Rose and the two of them spent lots of time together. Apparently they both liked nice cloths and stepping out in the evening. At one time they even lived together preferring to be out from under papa's watchful eye and free from caring for younger brothers and sisters. This arrangement did not work out well for either of the girls. Both ended up in situations that lead to heartache and pain. Eventually both girls settled down and because wives and mothers.

Chuck, Cliff & June

Lill married Charles Short on March 9, 1918 in Concordia Lutheran Church. Attending them were Lill’s brother, Walter Merzke and Charlie’s sister, Loretta Short. Lill worked for some time as a tailoress and later was a housewife.Charles drove a delivery truck for the Genesee Brewing Company.

Lill and Charlie’s house was at 86 Weyl St., the house once occupied by Chul and Nora Merzke and directly behind Lill’s parent’s home on Weaver St.Lill and Charlie had three children.Clifford Raymond Short was born May 29, 1919.June Marie Short was born December 27, 1921.Charles August Short was born October 23, 1923.Lill died November 23, 1970.Charlie remarried.He died October 13, 1989.They are buried together in White Haven Memorial Cemetery.

About Me

I am one of Henry and Maria Merzke's many grandchildren. They left this earth before I was born, but I grew up in their house, the house that most of their children considered home. I grew up with many of Maria's things around me including her large collection of photos. I've always treasure her things and considered myself to be the keeper of those things.
My father loved to visit his brothers and sisters. I loved being with my father and went with him on many of those visits. Even as a young child, I was interested in the family stories. I listened carefully and kept them alive in my mind knowing that one day I would find the time to share them with others.